LAKE WORTH, Fla. – Michael “Mike” Allan Buchanan passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 7, 2011, with his loving and devoted wife, Nancy, at his side, at home. He entered this world Nov. 25, 1946, in Old Town, son of the late Irvin and Hope (Harris) Buchanan.
Mr. Buchanan graduated from John Bapst High School, Bangor. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from the University of Maine, June 6, 1969; a Master of Arts degree in education from East Carolina University, May 29, 1977; and a Master of Science degree in criminal justice from University of Alabama Birmingham, June 4, 1978. Michael proudly began his U.S. Army career while at the University of Maine. During his dedication to his country he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Bronze Star Medal – 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal – 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal – 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement Medal, Army Service Ribbon and Overseas Service Ribbon – 4. He was honorably discharged with the rank of lieutenant colonel, after serving more than 20 years with the U.S. Army Military Police. After moving to Florida in 1989, Michael started a new page in his life of service, by opening his own insurance agency, servicing the people of Palm Beach County.
Michael is survived by his wife, Nancy of Lake Worth, Fla.; son, Shawn Buchanan and Annie Kearby of Bessemer, Ala.; brother, Thomas Buchanan and Mary Lou Foley of Bradley; nephew, Daniel Buchanan of Charlestown, Mass.; as well as extended family and very close friends, considered to be family. We will miss him tremendously – his humor, his presence, his heart, his caring and his being.
Full Army military honor services will be held 11:30 a.m. Friday, June 17, at South Florida National Cemetery, 6501 South State Road 7, Lane No. 3, Lake Worth, Fla.